Salok Sheikh Farid, Salok 99 — the crane and the hawk
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Farid says: a crane sits on the riverbank, playing happily.
While it is playing, a hawk suddenly swoops down on it.
When the One's hawk comes, all the games are forgotten.
The One does what no one ever expected or even thought of.
The end can come as suddenly as a hawk, while we are busy at play.
Bagulaa baithaa kayl karay: a crane plays at the water's edge, thinking only of its fun. Achintay baaj pa-ay: without warning, a hawk swoops. Here the hawk stands for death, and every game is forgotten.
Jo man chit na chaytay: what no one had in mind, the One brings about. The picture is sharp and kept gently: life is short and can change at any moment, so it is wise to remember the One while we play.
What is something you would not want to forget to appreciate today?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI